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“On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. On that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the Lord of hosts has blessed, saying, ‘Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my heritage.’” Isaiah 19:23-25.
Lawrence Wills, Professor of Biblical Studies, spoke at Episcopal Divinity School’s chapel on this fascinating scripture. “At a time when our nation is resounding with calls for exclusivity and for the correct theology, I’m struck,” Wills said, “by the variety of theologies, in this chapel and everywhere I look.” He went on to add, “What I suspect is that the variety of theologies is all around us, but the sameness also.”
A few years ago the Bible Gateway webpage listed the 100 most inquired-after passages from the Bible. Interestingly, a big number of those scriptures did not delve into dense theological doctrines. Rather, they were scriptures that drew from a common well of wisdom that helped people to get through their days. They included “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God” and “I can do everything through God who gives me strength.” When Wills mentioned this in his sermon, I took it as a timely word that can encourage us as we initiate and participate in the just one hour, just one scripture small group initiative.
All of us are bound by a commonality: we get through life, one day at a time. Often, we need a deeper and higher power to help us get through the day. just one hour, just one scripture serves as a platform to know one another and God in our life journeys. In doing so, the hope is that we recognize our differences and our sameness as we strive to build a community of love, neighborliness, and a sense of wonder that we at First Baptist Church call Wide Eyed Christianity. Spend just one hour in your week, listen, speak as you please, and embrace a sense of wonder and appreciation for life. Come and see. Let’s build community together.
~John Boopalan
Director of Community Life
Theologian in Residence
Lawrence Wills, Professor of Biblical Studies, spoke at Episcopal Divinity School’s chapel on this fascinating scripture. “At a time when our nation is resounding with calls for exclusivity and for the correct theology, I’m struck,” Wills said, “by the variety of theologies, in this chapel and everywhere I look.” He went on to add, “What I suspect is that the variety of theologies is all around us, but the sameness also.”
A few years ago the Bible Gateway webpage listed the 100 most inquired-after passages from the Bible. Interestingly, a big number of those scriptures did not delve into dense theological doctrines. Rather, they were scriptures that drew from a common well of wisdom that helped people to get through their days. They included “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love God” and “I can do everything through God who gives me strength.” When Wills mentioned this in his sermon, I took it as a timely word that can encourage us as we initiate and participate in the just one hour, just one scripture small group initiative.
All of us are bound by a commonality: we get through life, one day at a time. Often, we need a deeper and higher power to help us get through the day. just one hour, just one scripture serves as a platform to know one another and God in our life journeys. In doing so, the hope is that we recognize our differences and our sameness as we strive to build a community of love, neighborliness, and a sense of wonder that we at First Baptist Church call Wide Eyed Christianity. Spend just one hour in your week, listen, speak as you please, and embrace a sense of wonder and appreciation for life. Come and see. Let’s build community together.
~John Boopalan
Director of Community Life
Theologian in Residence
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